Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

BMW may Join MotoGP in 2027

BMW may join MotoGP in 2027, admitted the new head of BMW Motorrad, Markus Flasch.

They are the only major European manufacturer who are missing from the MotoGP field and there have been never-ending questions about their absence. However, the news coincides with Dorna’s proposed sweeping changes across the series, including returning the maximum engine capacity to 800cc. There have rumours to state as far as BMW and Dorna’s discussions have already resulted in a agreed deal.

Flasch, in an interview with Motorrad made it clear that he is an “absolute advocate of motorsport.” It bodes well for someone who was the head of the M Sport division before joining the motorcycle department in November last year. He says he also sees BMW’s future involvement in racing other than WSBK, FIM World Endurance, and German IDM series.

He added, “It has to make sense for us, that’s clear, and that’s why we are taking a detailed look at it.

“I would not rule it out.”

In fact, Dorna is keeping two grid spots open for an additional factory entry after Suzuki pulled out, to the consternation of KTM who had wanted that spot for 2024.

BMW has also already assembled a strong team in developing their two-wheeled racing programs. Former EWC and WSBK champion (and former Suzuki MotoGP test rider) Sylvain Guintoli heads the EWC team and WSBK development programme. While MotoGP podium finisher Bradley Smith is contracted as the other test rider.

2021 WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu as BMW’s factory rider has yielded immediate top results too, scoring two wins and two podiums from six races (including Superpole) in two rounds thus far.

Could this finally be the news BMW fans have been waiting for? Watch this space!

Motorcyclist Killed after Ramming Car in Emergency Lane, Driver Stopped to Call

A motorcyclist died after ramming into a car which stopped in the emergency lane at Kilometer 116.9, North-South Highway, near Batu Pahat. The car driver is said to have stopped to make a phone call.

Batu Pahat District Acting Chief of Police, Superintendent Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said, before the incident, the victim Mohammad Fared Zakaria, 35, was riding a motorcycle from the direction of Ayer Hitam towards Pagoh.

He said, upon arriving at the location, there was a car that stopped in the emergency lane because the driver wanted to answer a phone call.

The victim could not avoid the car and crashed into it. The crash resulted in the victim suffering severe head injuries and broke both arms.

The victim was taken to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at 7.50pm. However, the driver of the car survived and was not injured, said Superintendent Shahrulanuar.

Shahrulanuar said the police are still investigating and the case is being investigated in accordance with Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The police are also asking for the public’s cooperation to channel any information about this incident at any nearby police station or through the Johor Contingent Police Hotline at 07-2212999 or through the Batu Pahat IPD Police Hotline at 07-4343999.

Photo: PDRM

Penunggang Motosikal Maut Langgar Kereta, Pemandu Jawab Telefon

Seorang penunggang motosikal maut selepas merempuh kereta yang berhenti di lorong kecemasan di Kilometer 116.9, Lebuh Raya Utara-Selatan, berdekatan Batu Pahat. Pemandu kereta itu dikatakan berhenti di lorong tersebut bagi membuat panggilan telefon.

Pemangku Ketua Polis Daerah Batu Pahat, Superintendan Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani berkata, sebelum kejadian mangsa Mohammad Fared Zakaria, 35, menunggang motosikal dari arah Ayer Hitam menuju ke Pagoh.

Beliau berkata, sebaik tiba di lokasi, terdapat sebuah kereta yang berhenti di lorong kecemasan kerana pemandunya mahu menjawab panggilan telefon.

Mangsa tidak dapat mengelak kereta itu lalu merempuhnya kereta terbabit. Rempuhan itu mengakibatkan mangsa parah di kepala serta patah kedua-dua tangan.

Mangsa dibawa ke Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah di Muar namun disahkan meninggal dunia ketika menerima rawatan pada 7.50 malam. Bagaimanapun, pemandu kereta tersebut terselamat dan tidak mengalami kecederaan, kata Superintendan Shahrulanuar.

Shahrulanuar berkata, polis masih menjalankan siasatan dan kes disiasat mengikut Seksyen 41 (1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987.

Polis juga memohon kerjasama orang ramai untuk menyalurkan sebarang maklumat mengenai kejadian ini di mana-mana balai polis berhampiran atau melalui Hotline Polis Kontinjen Johor di talian 07-2212999 atau melalui Hotline Polis IPD Batu Pahat di talian 07-4343999.

Foto: PDRM

New EV Charging Station Target after Hari Raya

The government will review and submit a new target for the number of EV (electric vehicle) charging stations after Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The existing target is 10,000 stations operating by 2025.

Minister of Investments, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the actual number will only be known through the meeting of the National EV Driving Committee (NEVSC) which is scheduled to take place after the festival.

However, he informed that he had already held preliminary discussions with industry activists and EV public charging station installation companies.

“God willing we will discuss (with NEVSC) after this Raya.

“Officially, the number so far is 2,020 units, but that the number is close to more than 2,100 units during the unofficial discussion,” he said.

He added that industry activists and public EV charging station installation companies expressed confidence that the target of 10,000 EV stations by 2025 could be realised.

“As announced before, the target is 10,000 (EV charging stations) by the end of 2025, so we have to plan carefully.

“If we can’t reach that 10,000, we have to make a more realistic target, but it seems that through my discussion with the charging station installers, they are still confident because they can see the high demand, so they are a little braver to build the charging station.

“I’m trying to make sure we can reach that target,” he said.

On March 20, Tengku Zafrul was reported to have said that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will re-examine the target of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025 through the NEVSC meeting.

The target is guided by the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan 2021-2030.

Sasaran Baharu Stesen Pengecas EV selepas Hari Raya

Kerajaan akan menyemak dan mengemukakan sasaran jumlah stesen pengecas EV (electric vehicle/kenderaan elektrik) selepas Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Sasaran yang sedia ada ialah 10,000 stesen yang beroperasi menjelang 2025.

Menteri Pelaburan, Perdagangan dan Industri, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz berkata, jumlah sebenar hanya akan diketahui melalui mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pemandu EV Kebangsaan (NEVSC) yang dijadualkan berlangsung selepas perayaan tersebut.

Bagaimanapun, beliau memaklumkan sudah mengadakan perbincangan awal bersama penggiat industri dan syarikat pemasangan stesen pengecas awam EV.

“Insya-Allah kita akan bincangkan (bersama NEVSC) selepas raya ini.

“Secara rasmi, jumlah setakat ini adalah 2,020 unit, tetapi perbincangan bukan rasmi itu menunjukan jumlahnya dekat lebih 2,100 unit,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, penggiat industri dan syarikat pemasangan stesen pengecas awam EV menyuarakan keyakinan sasaran 10,000 stesen EV menjelang 2025 dapat direalisasikan.

“Seperti diumumkan sebelum ini, sasarannya 10,000 (stesen pengecas EV) bagi akhir tahun 2025, oleh itu kita kena membuat perancangan yang rapi.

“Kalau tak boleh capai 10,000 itu, kita kena buat sasaran lebih realistik, tapi nampaknya perbincangan saya bersama pihak pemasangan stesen pengecas ini, mereka masih yakin kerana dapat lihat permintaan tinggi, jadi berani sikit nak buat stesen pengecas itu.

“Saya sedang cuba pastikan sasaran itu dapat kita capai,” katanya.

Pada 20 Mac lalu, Tengku Zafrul dilaporkan berkata Kementerian Pelaburan, Perdagangan dan Industri (MITI) akan meneliti semula sasaran 10,000 stesen pengecas EV menjelang 2025 menerusi mesyuarat NEVSC.

Sasaran itu berpandukan Pelan Pembangunan Mobiliti Rendah Karbon 2021-2030.

Felo TOOZ dari Thailand – Jarak 720km, 202kmj

Felo TOOZ mempunyai sesuatu yang diperlukan oleh setiap motosikal elektrik: Jarak. Itu tidak menjadi masalah kerana pengeluar mendakwa jarak maksimum 720km setiap caj.

Dilancarkan oleh syarikat Thailand, Smartech, bateri yang besar itu memerlukan ruang ia menjadikan salah satu motosikal terbesar di jalan raya, yang rupa seakan Honda Gold Wing. Ia masih mampu mencapai kelajuan tertinggi 202 km/j, walaupun.

Selain daripada jarak, Felo TOOZ mempunyai beberapa ciri mewah termasuk panel instrumen TFT 12 inci yang bersambung ke telefon anda, dan memainkan audio melalui sistem sekeliling 6 saluran. Ciri-ciri lain adalah seperti sistem pemantauan tekanan tayar (TPMS), ABS, kawalan cengkaman. Ciri-ciri bukanlah sesuatu yang baharu tetapi ia menjadikannya motosikal elektrik paling maju dari segi teknologi, setakat ini.

TOOZ juga menyokong pengecasan TYPE2 (dari 20% hingga 80% dalam 20 minit). Spesifikasi juga menyebut kotak penyejuk 8 liter pilihan yang boleh dipasang pada salah satu boks tepi. Penggunaan perkataan “pilihan” menunjukkan bahawa pengeluaran telah pun dirancang.

Anda boleh mengecas peranti elektrik anda daripada TOOZ, tetapi ia juga mempunyai teknologi V2L yang bermaksud anda boleh menggunakan bateri motosikal untuk membekalkan kuasa ke rumah anda. Itu membayangkan kapasiti bateri yang amat besar.

Smartech ialah salah satu bintang dalam sektor kenderaan elektrik Thailand, dengan jenama motosikal elektrik baharunya FELO dan RAPID kedua-duanya bermula dengan rekod bersih dan syarikat itu dibiayai dengan baik serta mempunyai sumber yang baik dengan kepakaran.

Menghasilkan motosikal di Thailand nampaknya idea yang bernas kerana kebanyakan pengeluar motosikal terbesar dunia sudah pun mengeluarkan motosikal di sana. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph dan Ducati semuanya mengeluarkan sebahagian daripada rangkaian global mereka di Thailand.

Satu-satunya keluhan kami: Silalah reka motosikal elektrik dengan lebih baik, dan bukannya seperti sesuatu yang dipasang di dalam bangsal. Rekaan yang lebih cantik boleh menarik lebih ramai bakal pembeli.

Felo TOOZ from Thailand – 720km Range, 202km/h

The Felo TOOZ has something which every electric motorcycle needs: Range. That is not a problem as the manufacturer claims a 720km range per charge.

Launched by Thai company, Smartech, all that battery needs space thus making for one of largest motorcycles on the road, nevermind the Honda Gold Wing “vibes.” It is still capable of hitting a top speed of 202 km/h, though.

Apart from the range, the Felo TOOZ has several high-end features including a 12-inch TFT instrument panel that connects to your phone, and pushing audio through a 6-channel surround sound system. Other features are like a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS, traction control. Not groundbreaking features, but it does make the bike the most technologically advanced electric motorcycle, thus far.

The TOOZ also supports TYPE2 charging (from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes). The specs also mentioned an optional 8 liter cooling box that can be fitted to one of the panniers. The use of the word “optional” suggests that production is already planned.

You can charge your electrical devices from the TOOZ, but it also has V2L technology which means you can use the bike’s batteries to supply power to your home. That hints of a large battery capacity.

Smartech is one of the stars of Thailand’s electric vehicle sector, with its new electric motorcycle brands FELO and RAPID both starting with a clean sheet and the company well-funded and well-resourced with expertise.

Producing motorcycles in Thailand is seemingly a good idea, because most of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers already produce motorcycles there. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph and Ducati all manufacture a portion of their global range in the Kingdom.

Our only gripe: Please design electric motorcycles better rather than something akin to being cobbled together in the driveway. A better designed bike can surely entice more potential buyers.

Two Malaysian Students Died in New Zealand Car Crash

Two Malaysian students died after being involved in a road accident around Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, yesterday. Three of their colleagues were injured in the same crash.

The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the tragedy.

“Two victims were reported to have died at the scene while the other three have been flown to Christchurch Hospital, South Islands, New Zealand for immediate treatment.

“The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington with the help of the Malaysian community in Christchurch, is extending appropriate consular assistance to the victims and family members to ensure that the welfare management of all victims runs smoothly.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Malaysian High Commission are ready to help if the next of kin decide to bring the body back to Malaysia.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also wishes to express its condolences to the family members of the victims involved in this incident,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said his party is waiting for the decision of the families of the two deceased victims to be brought back to Malaysia or otherwise.

“Our students in New Zealand who had accidents have all been taken care of, those who were injured and died have been taken to the hospital and their bodies will be taken care of.

“We are waiting for the family to come or even to ask for whatever help is needed. The High Commission of Malaysia is always ready to help,” he said.

There were also reports that there was another fatal accident involving 2 cars and a motorcycle on the same road, just 2 hours after the accident involving the Malaysian student. Altogether, these accidents caused 20 injuries and 3 deaths.

Dua Pelajar Malaysia Maut Kemalangan di New Zealand

Dua antara pelajar Malaysia meninggal dunia setelah terbabit di dalam sebuah kemalangan jalan raya di New Zealand, semalam. Kemalangan di sekitar Tasik Tekapo itu turut mencederakan 3 rakan mereka.

Suruhanjaya Tinggi Malaysia di Wellington, New Zealand telah memaklumkan Kementerian Luar Negari mengenai tragedi tersebut.

“Dua mangsa dilaporkan terkorban di tempat kejadian manakala tiga lagi sudah diterbangkan ke Hospital Christchurch, South Islands, New Zealand untuk mendapatkan rawatan segera.

“Suruhanjaya Tinggi Malaysia di Wellington dengan bantuan komuniti Malaysia di Christchurch, sedang menghulurkan bantuan konsular sewajarnya kepada mangsa dan ahli keluarga bagi memastikan pengurusan kebajikan kesemua mangsa berjalan dengan lancar.

“Kementerian Luar Negeri dan Suruhanjaya Tinggi Malaysia sedia membantu sekiranya pihak waris membuat keputusan untuk membawa pulang jenazah ke Malaysia.

“Kementerian Luar Negeri juga ingin merakamkan ucapan takziah kepada ahli keluarga mangsa yang terbabit dalam insiden ini,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Menteri Luar Negara, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan berkata pihaknya sedang menunggu keputusan pihak keluarga dua mangsa yang meninggal dunia itu untuk dibawa balik ke Malaysia atau sebaliknya.

“Pelajar kita di New Zealand yang kemalangan semuanya sudah diuruskan, yang cedera dan meninggal dunia sudah dibawa ke hospital dan jenazah masing-masing akan diuruskan.

“Kita menunggu pihak keluarga untuk datang atau pun untuk minta apa juga bantuan yang diperlukan. Suruhanjaya Tinggi Malaysia di sana sentiasa bersedia untuk membantu,” katanya.

Terdapat juga laporan bahawa turut terdapat sebuah lagi kemalangan maut yang membabitkan 2 kereta dan sebuah motosikal di jalan yang sama, hanya 2 jam selepas kemalangan yang membabitkan pelajar Malaysia. Kesemua kemalangan ini menyebabkan 20 kecederaan dan 3 kematian.

SPRM tidak akan Berkompromi dengan Penyeludup

Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) berkata mereka tidak akan berkompromi dengan penyeludup.

Memetik penahanan terbaharu 34 pegawai Kastam di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA) Kargo yang disyaki terlibat dalam penyeludupan alat ganti kenderaan dan barangan terlarang, Ketua Pesuruhjaya Tan Sri Azam Baki berkata mereka bukan sahaja akan bertindak terhadap pegawai-pegawai yang menerima rasuah ini tetapi juga memastikan hasil yang hilang dikembalikan kepada tabung negara.

Amalan rasuah itu disyaki berlarutan sejak 2017 yang menyebabkan kerugian hasil cukai lebih RM2 bilion.

“Apa yang juga penting ialah kita bertindak terhadap mereka ini untuk menghentikan ketirisan dan kerugian, dan untuk menjejaki wang itu supaya ia boleh dikembalikan kepada kerajaan,” sambungnya.

Azam memberi amaran bahawa mereka yang bersekongkol dengan penjawat awam yang rasuah juga akan dikenakan bayaran. “Kami akan membuat mereka memulangkan wang itu, termasuk melalui pembayaran cukai yang mereka elakkan membayar sebelum ini.”

SPRM juga telah menahan 27 orang tambahan termasuk pemilik perniagaan berhubung kes itu melalui operasi khas bernama Samba 2.0.

Azam berkata pasukan petugas terdiri daripada SPRM, Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) dan Bank Negara ditubuhkan untuk menyiasat kes itu, sambil menambah bahawa kes itu disiasat selama enam bulan sebelum tangkapan dibuat.

“Pegawai-pegawai itu terlibat dengan pemeriksaan dan pencegahan. Kami percaya mereka telah menerima rasuah daripada syarikat dan ejen penghantaran untuk membiarkan barangan itu pergi tanpa pemeriksaan atau pengisytiharan.

“Walaupun mereka melakukan pemeriksaan, ia tidak akan menyeluruh,” tambahnya.

Setakat ini, siasatan mendapati pegawai-pegawai Kastam tersebut menerima RM4.7 juta daripada sindiket bagi memudahkan penyeludupan alat ganti kenderaan, tembakau kunyah, rokok, minuman keras dan produk kesihatan.

231 akaun bank dengan lebih RM17 juta milik suspek turut dibekukan oleh bahagian anti-pengubahan wang haram SPRM.

“Kami tidak melibatkan Jabatan Kastam dalam kes ini untuk mengelakkan sebarang konflik kepentingan,” katanya.

MACC will not Compromise with Smugglers

The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) say they will not compromise with smugglers.

Citing the latest arrest of 34 Customs officers at KL International Airport (KLIA) Cargo suspected of being involved in the smuggling of vehicle spare pars and contraband items, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said they will not just act against these corrupt officers but also ensure the lost revenue is returned to the country’s coffers.

The corrupt practices is suspected to have been going on since 2017, constituting more than RM2 billion of losses in tax revenue.

“What is also important is that we act against these people to stop leakages and losses, and to track the money so that it can be returned to the government,” he continued.

Azam warned that those in cahoots with corrupt civil servants would also be made to pay. “We will make them return the money, including through payment of taxes that they avoided paying before.”

The MACC had also arrested an additional 27 persons including business owners in connection with the case through a special operation codenamed Samba 2.0.

Azam said a taskforce comprising the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara was set up to investigate the case, adding that it was on the case for six months before the arrests were made.

“These officers were involved with inspection and prevention. The officers, who we believe have received bribes from companies and forwarding agents, would let the goods go without inspection or declaration.

“Even if they did carry out an inspection, it would not be thorough,” he added.

Thus far, the investigation has revealed that the Customs officers received RM4.7 million from a syndicate to facilitate the smuggling of vehicle spare parts, chewable tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, and health products.

231 bank accounts with more than RM17 million belonging to the suspects were also frozen by the MACC’s anti-money laundering division.

“We are not involving the Customs Department in this case to avoid any conflict of interest,” he added.

Tol Percuma Kekal Dua Hari bagi Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Pemandu di Malaysia akan menikmati tol percuma untuk dua hari di lebuh raya semasa Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Bagaimanapun, kerajaan tidak akan melanjutkannya lebih dari itu.

Timbalan Menteri Kerja Raya, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan menjelaskan mereka tidak akan melanjutkannya kerana kerajaan sudah memperuntukkan RM37.6 juta untuk menampung pengecualian itu. Jumlah itu akan dibayar kepada 33 syarikat konsesi lebuh raya.

“Ia kira-kira RM19 juta sehari. Ini adalah keputusan Kabinet dan ia muktamad,” katanya selepas meninjau persiapan PLUS Malaysia Bhd untuk Hari Raya Aidilfitri di Menara Korporat Persada PLUS di sini semalam.

Pada Khamis, Menteri Kerja Raya Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi mengumumkan bahawa kerajaan telah meluluskan tempoh dua hari bebas tol pada 8 dan 9 April untuk pengguna kenderaan persendirian Kelas 1 di lebuh raya sempena Hari Raya. Langkah yang sama turut dilakukan semasa Tahun Baru Cina pada Februari tahun ini.

Ahmad Maslan menambah bahawa PLUS menjangkakan trafik harian kira-kira 2.1 juta kenderaan semasa cuti perayaan. Hari-hari yang paling sibuk yang dijangkan ialah 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, dan 14 April, berbanding 1.82 juta pada hari puncak biasa.

PLUS bersedia untuk menempatkan lebih 4,500 kakitangan di lebuh rayanya untuk memastikan tindak balas pantas dalam tempoh tersebut.

“PLUS mempunyai 70 kakitangan pada waktu puncak harian di pusat pemantauan trafiknya untuk memantau, mengumpul dan menyebarkan maklumat trafik terkini serta menyelaras bantuan kepada pengguna lebuh raya.

“Pemandu perlu merancang perjalanan mereka menggunakan jadual perjalanan digital yang terdapat pada aplikasi MyPLUS-TTA,” kata Ahmad Maslan.